Diagnostic Tests for Hand paresthesia
Diagnostic Test list for Hand paresthesia:
The list of diagnostic tests
mentioned in various sources as
used in the diagnosis of Hand paresthesia
includes:
- General appearance - abnormal posture, muscle wasting, abnormal arm movements.
- Physical examination
- May be necessary to examine a variety of joints including the cervical spine, shoulder, elbow , wrists and the various joints of the hand
- Test muscle tone, power, reflexes and co-ordination of upper limbs
- Test sensation of upper limbs ( including pain , touch , temperature and vibration sensation)
- Examine each nerve of the upper limb (including radial, median, ulnar nerve and also brachial plexus
- Examination of cranial nerves ( if also affected would suggest a diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease , a mass in the brain, migraine or multiple sclerosis
- Examination of the lower limbs
- Blood tests
- Full blood count, ESR, Electrolytes
- Arthritis screen (e.g. Rheumatoid factor, ENA and ANA autoantibodies)
- Blood sugar to detect diabetes which can cause peripheral neuropathy and peripheral nerve lesions
- Thyroid function tests to diagnose hypothyroidism ( can cause carpal tunnel syndrome)
- Syphilis antibody test if indicated
- Radiology investigations
- Neck X-ray (also look for cervical rib which may cause thoracic outlet syndrome)
- Upper Thoracic spine X-Ray
- Elbow , forearm, Shoulder X-ray
- Wrist and Hand X-Ray
- CT Scan or MRI of Cervical spine if nil paresthesia of the face or cranial nerve signs - can detect nerve root entrapment in the intervertebral foramina of the cervical spine or a disc prolapse.
- CT Brain if also paresthesia of the face or cranial nerve signs to detect cerebrovascular disease , mass in brain
- MRI Brain and Spinal cord to detect multiple sclerosis
- Nerve Conduction studies
- Electromyography - to diagnose entrapment syndromes of peripheral nerves.
- Spinal tap - to help diagnose Multiple sclerosis.
Home Diagnostic Testing
These home medical tests may be relevant to Hand paresthesia causes:
- Diabetes: Related Home Testing:
- Nerve Neuropathy: Related Home Testing:
- Brain & Neurological Disorders: Related Home Testing:
» Next page: Glossary
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